Koh Lipe - Facts

Where is Koh Lipe?

Ko Lipe (or Koh Lipe) is a small island in the Adang-Rawi Archipelago of the Strait of Malacca, in Satun Province of southwest Thailand, close to the Malaysian border. The island is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, which has a number of small islands and is known for its coral-rich waters, sandy beaches and numerous dive sites.

The seafaring Chao Ley people were the first inhabitants of Koh Lipe and a small Chao Ley village is located on the East side of the island. Traditionally, the Chao Ley fish the waters of neighbouring islands and still provide the delicious seafood available on the island today.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

It is possible to anchor here and clear into Thailand (during October to May) but the anchorage (off the ferry terminal) is affected by ferry wake. Beware of the reef on the western side of the bay that extends up to 100 metres from the shore and is exposed at low water making beach access difficult.

There are other anchorages around the island, including off both Sunrise and Sunset beaches and other islands nearby, including Koh Adang and Koh Rawi. Depths decrease sharply and beware of coral heads when looking for a place to anchor.

Cruiser Highlights:

Useful clearance port in season, especially if coming from Langkawi. Translating as “Paper Island”, Koh Lipe is home to an array of tropical fish with around 25% of the world’s species living in the area. Popular dive sites in the area include the 8 Mile Rock pinnacle and the Yong Hua Shipwreck. The main island of Koh Lipe is now packed with hotels, shops and restaurants, but the other islands of the national park remain relatively untouched.

Position:

6°29'02"N 99°18'13"E